NAPA store’s new owners plan customer appreciation day

May 15, 2013

SALEM - The NAPA Auto Parts Store at 392 W. State St. is now under new ownership as Bob Jackson and his wife, Patricia, of Salem purchased the business and it is now called Jackson Auto Supply.

Jackson, a 20-year veteran at the store, worked his way into an ownership position and they officially took over on Jan. 1.

There will be a customer appreciation day Friday with 15 percent off entire purchases of in-stock merchandise, and there will be food (hot dogs, popcorn, cake and pop) as well as door prizes from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

"I worked up from a part-time delivery driver," Jackson said, "driving the delivery truck around town."

The store maintains automotive, industrial, auto body shop and construction company accounts along with its walk-in retail business.

A 1977 Salem High School graduate, Jackson said the business is "a family thing" while pointing out he was born and raised in Salem.

Rob, a 2000 Salem High graduate who has worked at the store since about 1995, has managed the10,000 square-foot store since the Jan. 1 takeover.

Years ago, the building was home to King Tool & Die and still has the acoustic block in the main garage for noise suppression.

Since taking over, Jackson said he seen some shale boom business come and go, but expects it to increase.

"NAPA in general has the ability to get some of the things they need," Jackson said, adding that he's been drumming up more outside sales by going out and introducing himself as a new co-owner.

"We've actually picked up a number of new accounts," he said.

There's new paint inside and at the front entrance while the parking lot is getting some attention.

"We're trying to give the building a facelift, signs lit up ..." he said.

Jackson is community oriented so any cost toward remodeling and freshening up the showroom is spread around by purchasing from local businesses.

The store has also regularly donated door prizes to the Arby's Saturday Night Cruise.

The customer appreciation day will have door prizes including a flat-screen television and Blu-Ray player, creeper, tool set, 3.5-ton floor jack, car wash bucket kits, gift certificates along with many other giveaway items.

Customers can register for the door prizes and no purchase is necessary to enter and winners do not have to be present.